Rockwell Automation, Inc.the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has been selected by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., a leading global tire and rubber manufacturer, to support the company’s digital transformation efforts across plant floors globally.

Sumitomo Rubber, known for its Dunlop and Falken brands, will deploy Rockwell’s FactoryTalk® ProductionCentre®, a manufacturing execution system (MES) platform, as part of its strategy to integrate and standardise business and production data. Deployment will begin at the company’s Shirakawa plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and expand to other plants worldwide following evaluation.

Sumitomo Rubber is addressing growing business challenges, including material cost increase and labour shortages, by implementing highly efficient production systems through digital technology. The company aims to standardise production across its global sites, which handle high-mix, low-volume production.

To enhance integration with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, Sumitomo Rubber chose Rockwell’s FactoryTalk ProductionCentre for its seamless compatibility with existing systems and its specialised knowledge in tire manufacturing.

“We believe leveraging Rockwell Automation’s expertise will enable us to standardise manufacturing management and enhance operational efficiency globally, driving our growth,” said Kenji Saito, executive officer and general manager of the tire manufacturing headquarters at Sumitomo Rubber Industries.

“Based on our mid-term management vision, we intend to deploy the new system beginning with the domestic plant. We will continue to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in manufacturing, and embrace new challenges with a forward-looking approach, making full use of AI.”

“We are pleased to support Sumitomo Rubber by integrating our tire MES solution, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre, into their existing systems,” said James Glasson, vice president, global Industry auto, tire and advanced mobility. “This initiative will enhance operating efficiency, minimise manufacturing risks, reduce implementation costs and significantly accelerate speed to market.”

Sumitomo Rubber aims to strengthen its organisational structure through this digital initiative by 2025. From 2026 onward, the company plans to expand its digital transformation practices to adapt to an evolving business environment.

Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Production Centre provides a foundation for improving productivity, quality, compliance, and cost reduction goals. With MES templates tailored to tire manufacturing, the solution optimises complex production processes, scales operations, reduces downtime and enhances speed and quality.